Cathedral Quarter offices let to expanding solicitors

A GROWING firm of solicitors in Derby has snapped up historic new premises in a Grade II listed former church, as part of its expansion across the East Midlands.

Timms Solicitors has moved its Derby operation into the converted St Michael’s Church in Queen Street in a deal overseen by Innes England.

Nick Hosking, director at Innes England in Derby, oversaw the letting which he believes is reflective of the increased demand for office space in the city’s popular Cathedral Quarter.

Timms Solicitors had outgrown its previous premises and required additional space to grow its residential property and commercial property teams, and the Cathedral Quarter property met all the firm’s needs.

Nick said: “St Michael's was saved from demolition and sympathetically restored by Derek Latham over 30 years ago. Formerly home to the practice of conservation architect Lathams, this unique property delivered what the market has been missing – quality open-plan office space within the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter.

“Perhaps unsurprisingly we had competing interest in the property and we are delighted that it’s now been taken on by an expanding local professional firm.”

Timms Solicitors has recently taken on new members of staff and has relocated part of its conveyancing team into St Michael’s.

Managing partner at the firm, Fiona Moffat, said: “We are excited to be moving into Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, an area which is both practical and aesthetically beautiful. Innes England helped us to establish the letting, and we were able to move into our new offices on schedule and smoothly.

“We are keen to begin introducing our clients to the new office, as the space provides a great look and feel and reflects how we see ourselves as a business. The building is also really easy to find, which from a client perspective a huge benefit to us.”

Established in 1892, Timms Solicitors has four offices across the East Midlands: Derby, Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent and Ashby de la Zouch.

Fiona added: “Timms has in the past had a strong conveyancing team in Derby but in recent years this has been centralised in our Burton office but with the market now showing signs of recovery, we are seeing an increase in work - particularly within the city and the surrounding towns and villages. The move to St Michael’s allows us to have a dedicated team in our Derby office to offer a locally based service to our clients.”